Ahead of the high-profile India vs Pakistan clash, former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has revealed that all-rounder Hardik Pandya focuses more attention on fitness rather than skill as part of pre-game preparation. The former Indian player also stated that the all-rounder practices his bowling more than his batting in training.
Notably, India registered a thumping nine-wicket victory against the UAE in their opening match of the Asia Cup 2025 tournament on September 10 in Dubai. While Step One is accomplished by the Suryakumar Yadav-led India, they will be eager to accomplish Step Two by beating arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, September 14.
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During a cricket discussion on Sony Sports, Nayar was asked about how Pandya prepares before the game in the nets.
"He is actually slightly different. He doesn't believe too much in skill. He practices a lot, but he practices bowling more than batting. However, he pays a lot of attention to his fitness, health, and body. He has a routine, where he does yoga, concentrates on his nutrition, and trains for two to two-and-a-half hours every day," he responded.
The former India assistant coach further went on to lavish huge praise on the all-rounder for his mental toughness and through professional pre-tournament preparation.
"He is extremely diligent there. He always remains right mentally, but he tries to remain physically right. After that, he does whatever pre-tournament preparation he deems right. However, otherwise, he is mentally extremely strong," Nayar observed.
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Hardik Pandya's confidence & swagger are second to none: Ajay Jadeja
During the same discussion, former cricketer Ajay Jadeja was also asked about Pandya always backing himself and coming to the ground with ultra-positive attitude and confidence that scares the opposition slightly.
"That's his strength. He has the skills - batting, bowling, and fielding. He is an athlete as well, but he has been seen batting at the end in many important matches against Pakistan. He doesn't get rattled, although you might have seen his partners getting rattled at times," he replied.
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Hardik, who boasts of a phenomenal record against Pakistan, will be hoping to put in a similar performance when he faces them on Sunday in Dubai.
